How to become an information scientist
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- through certification with a professional body
University
You could take a degree or postgraduate course approved by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. Courses include:
- information studies
- information management
- informatics
- data asset management
- library studies
Entry to postgraduate courses is very competitive and you should try to get up to a year's work experience in a library or information services setting before you start.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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College
You may be able to gain some of the skills and knowledge required to become an assistant information officer or an information manager apprentice, through a T Level in Management and Administration.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Library, information and archive services assistant intermediate apprenticeship
- Information manager higher apprenticeship
- Archivist and records manager degree apprenticeship
There may be opportunities for this role in different sectors, like education, construction, engineering, health, transport or local government.
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an assistant information officer or library assistant and work your way up by training on the job.
Other Routes
If you're already working in information science or management, you could have your skills and knowledge certified by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
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Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals to help with your career development.
Further information
You can find out more about working in information science from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.